Physics and Astrophysics

Faculty List

Physics is the study of the basic laws that govern how material objects move and influence each other. Astrophysics is the application of the principles of Physics to the study of objects in the universe and their interactions and evolution, and thus covers the study of objects such as planets, stars, galaxies, black holes, and the universe as a whole, known as cosmology. The laws of Physics can accurately describe the effect of a star on the motion of a planet, or of the Earth on the motion of a satellite, the effect of a molecule on a nearby atom, or of an atomic nucleus on an electron. Although Newton's laws of motion adequately describe some of these situations, in most cases it is necessary to apply the more recently discovered refinements of these laws - quantum mechanics and Einstein's  theories of special and general relativity, together with the understanding of electric and magnetic effects so beautifully synthesized in Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism. From these basic principles many of the properties of gases, liquids, solids, plasmas, nuclear matter, planets, stars, etc, can be related to the interactions among the individual units of which these forms of matter are composed. Physics allows us to describe the properties of light, sound and heat up to the point where these enter our senses, as well as x-ray, radio, cosmic and other radiations of which we are not directly aware. The remarkable properties of some materials under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure, and of other materials when an electric current passes through them, form the basis of a wide range of applications in the technology of our every-day lives, from microwave ovens to cellular telephones and GPS navigation. It is possible to develop, in mathematical language, theories that so accurately describe physical phenomena that they may be used to predict the results of many carefully controlled experiments. The study of physics and astrophysics, therefore, involves both mathematics and the techniques of experimentation.

At the University of Toronto Scarborough, students who are interested in Physics and Astrophysics can take the Specialist Program in Physics and Astrophysics, the Specialist Program in Physical & Mathematical Sciences, the Major Program in Physics and Astrophysics,  the Major Program in Physical Sciences, the Specialist Program in Environmental Physics, or the Specialist Program in Computer Science and Physical Sciences (Computer Science and Physics stream).

Notes:

1. PHYA10H3 and PHYA11H3 both require MATA30H3 as a corequisite.
2. Any one of MATA35H3, MATA36H3, or MATA37H3 is a suitable corequisite for PHYA21H3 and PHYA22H3. However, some higher level MAT courses have MATA37H3 as a prerequisite. No Physics and Astrophysics programs require MATA37H3 explicitly, so students should check to see if there is a prerequisite of MATA37H3 for MAT courses required outside the Physics and Astrophysics program requirements.
3. Prerequisites and corequisites for PHY, PSC, and AST courses will be enforced.

Service Learning and Outreach (Previously known as Science Engagement)
For experiential learning through community outreach and classroom in-reach, please see the Teaching and Learning section of this Calendar.

Physics and Astrophysics Programs

SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS (SCIENCE)

Supervisors of Studies: W.A. Gough (416-208-4873) Email: gough@utsc.utoronto.ca and C.C. Dyer (416 287-7206)  Email: dyer@utsc.utoronto.ca

Program Requirements
Total Requirements: 15.5 full credits

First Year (4.0 credits):
PHYA10H3 Introduction to Physics IA
PHYA21H3 Introduction to Physics IIA
MATA30H3 Calculus I for Biological and Physical Sciences
MATA36H3 Calculus II for Physical Sciences
CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding
CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry II: Reactions and Mechanisms
EESA06H3 Introduction to Planet Earth
MATA23H3 Linear Algebra I

Second Year (4.5 credits):
PHYB10H3 Intermediate Physics Laboratory I
PHYB21H3 Electricity and Magnetism
PHYB52H3 Thermal Physics
PHYB54H3 Mechanics:  From Oscillations to Chaos
MATB41H3 Techniques of Calculus of Several Variables I
MATB42H3 Techniques of Calculus of Several Variables II
MATB44H3 Differential Equations I
Two of:
   EESB02H3 Principles of Geomorphology
   EESB03H3 Principles of Climatology
   EESB04H3 Principles of Hydrology
   EESB05H3 Principles of Soil Science
   EESB15H3 Earth History

Third Year (4.0 credits):
PHYB56H3 Introduction to Quantum Physics
PHYC11H3 Intermediate Physics Laboratory II
PSCB57H3 Introduction to Scientific Computing
MATC46H3 Differential Equations II
STAB22H3 Statistics I
One of:
   PHYC50H3 Electromagnetic Theory
   PHYC54H3 Classical Mechanics
Two of:
   CHMB55H3 Environmental Chemistry
   EESC07H3 Groundwater
   EESC18H3 The Great Lakes: An Introduction to Physical Limnology
   EESC19H3 Marine Systems
   EESC20H3 Geochemistry
   EESC31H3 Principles of Glacial Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

Fourth Year (3.0 credits):
PHYD37H3 Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
PHYD38H3 Nonlinear Systems and Chaos
Four of:
   ASTC25H3 Astrophysics of Planetary Systems
   EESC03H3 Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing
   EESD02H3 Contaminant Hydrogeology
   EESD06H3 Climate Change Impact Assessment
   EESD09H3 Research Project in Environmental Science*
   PHYC50H3 Electromagnetic Theory
   PHYC54H3 Classical Mechanics
   PHYD01H3 Physics Research Project*
   PHYD11H3 Computational Physics Project*
   PHYD72H3 Supervised Reading in Physics*
*no more than two of EESD10Y3, PHYD01H3, PHYD11H3 and PHYD72H3 may be counted as fulfilling the program requirements.

NOTE: Where any course appears on more than one option list, it may only be counted as fulfilling the requirements for one of those lists of options.

SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN PHYSICAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES (SCIENCE)

Supervisor: J. Lowman (416-208-4880) Email: lowman@utsc.utoronto.ca
This Program provides a framework of courses in the Physical Sciences based upon a firm Mathematical foundation, relating Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics and Statistics. It prepares students for careers in teaching, industry, and government as well as for further studies at the graduate level.
 
Program Requirements
This program requires 15.5 credits as follows:

First Year:
PHYA10H3 Introduction to Physics IA
PHYA21H3 Introduction to Physics IIA
CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding
CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry II: Reactions and Mechanisms
MATA30H3 Calculus I for Biological and Physical Sciences
MATA23H3 Linear Algebra I
[MATA36H3 Calculus II for Physical Sciences or MATA37H3 Calculus II for Mathematical Sciences]

Second Year
PHYB10H3 Intermediate Physics Laboratory I
PHYB56H3 Introduction to Quantum Physics
PHYB21H3 Electricity and Magnetism
PHYB52H3 Thermal Physics
MATB24H3 Linear Algebra II
MATB41H3 Techniques of the Calculus of Several Variables I
MATB42H3 Techniques of the Calculus of Several Variables II
MATB44H3 Differential Equations I

Second or Third Year
PHYB54H3 Mechanics: From Oscillations to Chaos
ASTB23H3 Astrophysics of Stars, Galaxies and the Universe
CHMB20H3 Chemical Thermodynamics and Elementary Kinetics
CHMB21H3 Chemical Structure and Spectroscopy
MATB61H3 Linear Programming
PSCB57H3 Introduction to Scientific Computing
CSCB58H3 Computer Organization
STAB52H3 An Introduction to Probability

Third or Fourth Year
4.0 credits from:
   ASTC25H3 Astrophysics of Planetary Systems
   MATC34H3 Complex Variables
   MATC46H3 Differential Equations II
   PHYC50H3 Electromagnetic Theory
   PHYC56H3 Quantum Mechanics I
   PHYC11H3 Intermediate Physics Laboratory II
   PHYC54H3 Classical Mechanics
   PHYD37H3 Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
   PHYD38H3 Introduction to Nonlinear Systems and Chaos
   CSCC37H3 Introduction to Numerical Algorithms for Computational Mathematics
   CSCD37H3 Analysis of Numerical Algorithms for Computational Mathematics
   PSCD02H3 Current Questions in Mathematics and Science
   [PHYD01H3 Physics Research Project or PHYD11H3 Computational Physics Project or PHYD72H3 Supervised Reading in Physics or ASTD01H3 Astrophysics Research Project or ASTD02H3 Supervised Reading in Astrophysics or PSCD10H3 Physical Sciences Project]

SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS (SCIENCE)

Supervisor: J. Lowman (416-208-4880) Email: lowman@utsc.utoronto.ca
Program Requirements:  The Program requires 13.0 full credits as follows:
First Year
PHYA10H3 Introduction to Physics IA
PHYA21H3 Introduction to Physics IIA
MATA30H3 Calculus I for Biological and Physical Sciences
MATA23H3 Linear Algebra I
[MATA36H3 Calculus II for Physical Sciences
or
MATA37H3 Calculus II for Mathematical Sciences]
Second Year
ASTB23H3 Astrophysics of Stars, Galaxies and the Universe
PHYB10H3 Intermediate Physics Laboratory I
PHYB56H3 Introduction to Quantum Physics
PHYB21H3 Electricity and Magnetism
PHYB52H3 Thermal Physics
PHYB54H3 Mechanics: From Oscillations to Chaos
MATB41H3 Techniques of the Calculus of Several Variables I
MATB42H3 Techniques of the Calculus of Several Variables II
MATB44H3 Differential Equations I
Third Year
PHYC50H3 Electromagnetic Theory
PHYC56H3 Quantum Mechanics I
PHYC11H3 Intermediate Physics Laboratory II
PHYC54H3 Classical Mechanics
PSCB57H3 Introduction to Scientific Computing
MATC34H3 Complex Variables
MATC46H3 Differential Equations II
Fourth Year
Three of:
ASTC25H3 Astrophysics of Planetary Systems
PHYD37H3 Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
PHYD38H3 Introduction to Nonlinear Systems and Chaos
PHY452H3 Basic Statistical Mechanics
PHY456H3 Quantum Mechanics II
PHY483H Relativity Theory I
PHY484H Relativity Theory II
PHY487H Condensed Matter Physics
PHY489H Introduction to High Energy Physics
PHY491H Current Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics
PHY492H Advanced Atmospheric Physics
PHY493H Geophysical Imaging I
PHY494H Geophysical Imaging II
PHY495H Experimental Global Geophysics
PHY496H Experimental Applied Geophysics
One of:
PHYD01H3 Physics Research Project
PHYD11H3 Computational Physics Project
PHYD72H3 Supervised Reading in Physics
ASTD01H3 Astrophysics Research Project
ASTD02H3 Supervised Reading in Astrophysics
PSCD10H3 Physical Sciences Project
One additional 0.5 credit from a course in AST or PHY at the C-, D-, 300-, or 400-level, or
PSCD02H3 Current Questions in Mathematics and Science

MAJOR PROGRAM IN PHYSICAL SCIENCES (SCIENCE)

Supervisor: G. Lorincz (416-287-7248) Email: lorincz@utsc.utoronto.ca
The Major Program in Physical Sciences is intended for students desiring a general background in the physical sciences (with emphasis in the area of astronomy, physics and physical chemistry) but who do not intend to pursue graduate studies.
Parallel major Programs for students more interested in the mathematical sciences or in chemistry are offered in Mathematical Sciences, in Chemistry, and in Biochemistry.

Program Requirements:
This program requires 8.0 full credits as follows:

First Year:
PHYA10H3 Introduction to Physics IA
PHYA21H3 Introduction to Physics IIA
CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding
CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry II: Reactions and Mechanisms
MATA30H3 Calculus I for Biological and Physical Sciences
MATA23H3 Linear Algebra I
[MATA36H3 Calculus II for Physical Sciences or MATA37H3 Calculus II for Mathematical Sciences]

Second or Third Year
Five of:
   PHYB10H3 Intermediate Physics Laboratory I
   PHYB21H3 Electricity and Magnetism
   PHYB52H3 Thermal Physics
   PHYB54H3 Mechanics: From Oscillations to Chaos
   PHYB56H3 Introduction to Quantum Physics
   MATB24H3 Linear Algebra II
   MATB41H3 Techniques of the Calculus of Several Variables I
   MATB42H3 Techniques of the Calculus of Several Variables II
   MATB44H3 Differential Equations I
   ASTB23H3 Astrophysics of Stars, Galaxies and the Universe
   CHMB20H3 Chemical Thermodynamics and Elementary Kinetics
   CHMB21H3 Chemical Structure and Spectroscopy
   STAB22H3 Statistics I

Third or Fourth Year
Four of:
   ASTC25H3 Astrophysics of Planetary Systems
   MATC34H3 Complex Variables
   MATC46H3 Differential Equations II
   PHYC50H3 Electromagnetic Theory
   PHYC56H3 Quantum Mechanics I
   PHYC11H3 Intermediate Physics Laboratory II
   PHYC54H3 Classical Mechanics
   PHYD37H3 Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
   PHYD38H3 Introduction to Nonlinear Systems and Chaos
   PSCB57H3 Introduction to Scientific Computing
   PSCD02H3 Current Questions in Mathematics and Science
   [PHYD01H3 Physics Research Project or PHYD11H3 Computational Physics Project or PHYD72H3 Supervised Reading in Physics or ASTD01H3 Astrophysics Research Project or ASTD02H3 Supervised Reading in Astrophysics or PSCD10H3 Physical Sciences Project]

MAJOR PROGRAM IN PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS (SCIENCE)

Supervisor: C. C. Dyer (416-287-7206) Email: dyer@astro.utoronto.ca

Program Requirements
This program requires 8.5 credits as follows:

First Year
PHYA10H3 Introduction to Physics IA
PHYA21H3 Introduction to Physics IIA
MATA30H3  Calculus I for Biological and Physical Sciences
MATA23H3 Linear Algebra I
[MATA36H3 Calculus II for Physical Sciences or MATA37H3 Calculus II for Mathematical Sciences]

Second and Later Years
ASTB23H3 Astrophysics of Stars, Galaxies and the Universe
MATB41H3 Techniques of the Calculus of Several Variables I
MATB42H3 Techniques of the Calculus of Several Variables II
MATB44H3 Differential Equations I
PHYB10H3 Intermediate Physics Laboratory I

Three of:
PHYB56H3 Introduction to Quantum Physics
PHYB21H3 Electricity and Magnetism
PHYB52H3 Thermal Physics
PHYB54H3 Mechanics: From Oscillations to Chaos

A total of 2.0 credits from:
ASTC25H3 Astrophysics of Planetary Systems
MATC34H3 Complex Variables
MATC46H3 Differential Equations II
PHYC50H3 Electromagnetic Theory
PHYC56H3 Quantum Mechanics I
PHYC11H3 Intermediate Physics Laboratory II
PHYC54H3 Classical Mechanics
PHYD37H3 Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
PHYD38H3 Nonlinear Systems and Chaos
PSCB57H3 Introduction to Scientific Computing
PSCD02H3 Current Questions in Mathematics and Science
[PHYD01H3 Physics Research Project or PHYD11H3 Computational Physics Project or PHYD72H3 Supervised Reading in Physics or ASTD01H3 Astrophysics Research Project or ASTD02H3 Supervised Reading in Astrophysics or PSCD10H3 Physical Sciences Project]

MINOR PROGRAM IN ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS (SCIENCE)

Supervisor:  J. Bayer Carpintero (416-287-7327) Email: jbayer@utsc.utoronto.ca

See the Astronomy section of this Calendar. 

Physics and Astrophysics Courses

PHYA10H3    Introduction to Physics IA

The course is intended for students in physical, environmental and mathematical sciences. The course introduces the basic concepts used to describe the physical world with mechanics as the working example. This includes mechanical systems (kinematics and dynamics), energy, momentum, conservation laws, waves, and oscillatory motion.
Prerequisite: Physics 12U - SPH4U (Grade 12 Physics) & Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) & Advanced Functions (MHF4U)
Corequisite: MATA30H3 or MATA31H3
Exclusion: PHYA11H3, PHY131H, PHY135Y, PHY151H, (PHY110Y), (PHY138Y)
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYA11H3    Introduction to Physics IB

This first course in Physics at the university level is intended for students enrolled in the Life sciences. It covers fundamental concepts of classical physics and its applications to macroscopic systems in one and three dimensions. It deals with two main themes; which are Particle and Fluid Mechanics and Waves and Oscillations. The approach will be phenomenological with applications related to life and biological sciences.
Prerequisite: Grade 12 Advanced Functions (MHF4U) and Grade 12 Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)
Corequisite: (MATA20H3) or MATA30H3 or MATA31H3
Exclusion: PHYA10H3, PHY131H, PHY135Y, PHY151H, (PHY110Y), (PHY138Y)
Recommended Preparation: Grade 12 Physics (SPH4U)
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYA21H3    Introduction to Physics IIA

This second physics course is intended for students in physical and mathematical sciences programs.  Topics include electromagnetism and special relativity.
Prerequisite: PHYA10H3, [MATA30H3 or MATA31H3]
Corequisite: MATA35H3 or MATA36H3 or MATA37H3. Note: MATA35H3 does not allow for many future programs in science.
Exclusion: PHYA22H3, (PHY110Y), PHY132H, PHY135Y, (PHY138Y), PHY152H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYA22H3    Introduction to Physics IIB

The course covers the main concepts of Electricity and Magnetism, Optics, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics. It provides basic knowledge of these topics with particular emphasis on its applications in the life sciences. It also covers some of the applications of modern phsyics such as atomic physics and nuclear radiation.
Prerequisite: [PHYA10H3 or PHYA11H3 or (PHYA01H3)] and [MATA30H3 or MATA31H3]
Corequisite: (MATA21H3) or MATA35H3 or MATA36H3 or MATA37H3. Note: (MATA21H3) & MATA35H3 do not allow for many future programs in science.
Exclusion: PHYA21H3, (PHY110Y), PHY132H, PHY135Y, (PHY138Y), PHY152H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYB01H3    Modern Physics for Non-Scientists

A conceptual overview of some of the most interesting advances in physics and the intellectual background in which they occurred. The interrelationship of the actual practice of physics and its cultural and intellectual context is emphasized. (Space time; Symmetries; Quantum Worlds; Chaos.)
Prerequisite: 4.0 credits
Enrolment Limits: 50
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYB10H3    Intermediate Physics Laboratory I

Experimental and theoretical study of AC and DC circuits with applications to measurements using transducers and electronic instrumentation. Practical examples are used to illustrate several physical systems.
Prerequisite: PHYA21H3, [MATA36H3 or MATA37H3]
Corequisite: MATB41H3
Exclusion: (PHYB23H3)
Enrolment Limits: 25
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYB21H3    Electricity and Magnetism

A first course at the intermediate level in electricity and magnetism. The course provides an in-depth study of electrostatics and magnetostatics. Topics examined include Coulomb's Law, Gauss's Law, electrostatic energy, conductors, Ampere's Law, magnetostatic energy, Lorentz Force, Faraday's Law and Maxwell's equations.
Prerequisite: PHYA21H3 & MATB41H3
Corequisite: MATB42H3
Exclusion: PHY241H, PHY251H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYB52H3    Thermal Physics

The quantum statistical basis of macroscopic systems; definition of entropy in terms of the number of accessible states of a many particle system leading to simple expressions for absolute temperature, the canonical distribution, and the laws of thermodynamics. Specific effects of quantum statistics at high densities and low temperatures.
Prerequisite: [PHYA21H3 or PHY132H or (PHY138Y) or PHY152H] and MATB41H3
Corequisite: MATB42H3
Exclusion: PHY252H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYB54H3    Mechanics: From Oscillations to Chaos

The linear, nonlinear and chaotic behaviour of classical mechanical systems such as oscillators, rotating bodies, and central field systems. The course will develop analytical and numerical tools to solve such systems and determine their basic properties. The course will include mathematical analysis, numerical exercises (Python), and demonstrations of mechanical systems.
Prerequisite: PHYA21H3, MATB41H3, MATB44H3
Corequisite: MATB42H3
Exclusion: PHY254H, (PHYB20H3)
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYB56H3    Introduction to Quantum Physics

The course introduces the basic concepts of Quantum Physics and Quantum Mechanics starting with the experimental basis and the properties of the wave function. Schrödinger's equation will be introduced with some applications in one dimension. Topics include Stern-Gerlach effect; harmonic oscillator; uncertainty principle; interference packets; scattering and tunnelling in one-dimension.
Prerequisite: PHYA21H3, MATA36H3
Corequisite: MATB41H3
Exclusion: PHY256H, (PHYB25H3)
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYC11H3    Intermediate Physics Laboratory II

The main objective of this course is to help students develop skills in experimental physics by introducing them to a range of important measuring techniques and associated physical phenomena. Students will carry on several experiments in Physics and Astrophysics including electricity and magnetism, optics, solid state physics, atomic and nuclear physics.
Prerequisite: PHYB10H3, PHYB21H3, PHYB52H3
Corequisite: PHYB21H3
Exclusion: (PHYB11H3)
Enrolment Limits: 20
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYC50H3    Electromagnetic Theory

Solving Poisson and Laplace equations via method of images and separation of variables, Multipole expansion for electrostatics, atomic dipoles and polarizability, polarization in dielectrics, Ampere and Biot-Savart laws, Multipole expansion in magnetostatics, magnetic
dipoles, magnetization in matter, Maxwell’s equations in matter.
Prerequisite: PHYB54H3, PHYB21H3, MATA23H3, MATB42H3, MATB44H3
Exclusion: PHY350H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYC54H3    Classical Mechanics

A course that will concentrate in the study of symmetry and conservation laws, stability and instability, generalized co-ordinates, Hamilton’s principle, Hamilton’s equations, phase space, Liouville’s theorem, canonical transformations, Poisson brackets, Noether’s theorem.
Prerequisite: PHYB54H3, MATB44H3
Exclusion: PHY354H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYC56H3    Quantum Mechanics I

The course builds on the basic concepts of quantum theory students learned in PHYB56H3. Topics include the general structure of wave mechanics; eigenfunctions and eigenvalues; operators; orbital angular momentum; spherical harmonics; central potential; separation of variables; hydrogen atom; Dirac notation; operator methods; harmonic oscillator and spin.
Prerequisite: PHYB56H3, PHYB21H3, MATA23H3, MATB42H3, MATB44H3
Exclusion: PHY356H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYD01H3    Physics Research Project

Introduces students to current research in physics under the supervision of a professorial faculty member. Students undertake an independent project involving theoretical or experimental Physics. Evaluation is by the supervising faculty member in consultation with course supervisor. Students must obtain consent of the course supervisor to enrol in this course.
Prerequisite: 14.0 credits, cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and permission from the coordinator.
Exclusion: PHY478H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYD11H3    Computational Physics Project

Introduces students to current research topics in computational physics under supervision of a professorial faculty member. Students undertake independent project involving computational Physics. Evaluation by the supervising faculty member in consultation with the course supervisor. Students must obtain the consent of the course supervisor to enrol in this course.
Prerequisite: 14.0 credits, cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and permission from the coordinator.
Exclusion: PHY478H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYD37H3    Introduction to Fluid Mechanics

Description and understanding of the dynamics of fluid systems. Topics covered include the idea of continuum, total derivative, equations for mass and energy conservation, Navier-Stokes equations; introduces tensor notation; stream function, streamlines, trajectories, rate of strain, vorticity; viscous fluids, non-Newtonian rheologies; Bernoulli's equation, channel flow, turbulence, Reynold's number.
Prerequisite: PHYC54H3
Exclusion: PHY454H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYD38H3    Nonlinear Systems and Chaos

The theory of nonlinear dynamical systems with applications to many areas of physics and astronomy. Topics include stability, bifurcations, chaos, universality, maps, strange attractors and fractals. Geometric, analytical and computational methods will be developed.
Prerequisite: PHYC54H3
Exclusion: PHY460H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PHYD72H3    Supervised Reading in Physics

An individual study program chosen by the student with the advice of, and under the direction of a faculty member. A student may take advantage of this course either to specialize further in a field of interest or to explore interdisciplinary fields not available in the regular syllabus.
Prerequisite: 14.0 credits, cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and permission from the coordinator.
Exclusion: PHY372H, PHY472H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences